Vitalum : development and evaluation of tailored print communication and telephone motivational interviewing to improve lifestyle behaviors among older adults

To lower the risk of cardiovascular disease Dutch adults are recommended to eat at least 2 pieces of fruit and 200 grams of vegetables each day, and to exercise moderately intense for a minimum of 30 minutes per day at least 5 days per week. However, over 80% of the adults eat too few vegetables and fruits, and 40% moves too little. This dissertation describes the development and evaluation of telephone motivating interviewing and computer-generated tailor-made advice via letters to help adults between the age of 45 and 70 years realise these recommendations. Participants who received these letters, interviewing or a combination of both started to exercise more and eat more vegetables and fruits than participants who did not receive information. These methods can therefore be used to help people to live a healthier life.